Aryna Sabalenka Emulates Federer with “Best Shot of Her Career” at Madrid Open

Aryna Sabalenka’s recent performance at the Madrid Open has sparked widespread praise, with former WTA star Eugenie Bouchard drawing direct comparisons between the world No. 2’s form and the legendary careers of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The accolades followed Sabalenka’s straight-sets victory over Peyton Stearns on clay, marking her second consecutive win on the surface this season after a unhurried start.

Speaking after her 7-5, 6-3 triumph, Sabalenka highlighted a particular shot during the match that she described as “the best shot of her career,” a comment that quickly gained attention across tennis media. The remark echoed sentiments previously voiced by Bouchard, who noted that Sabalenka’s current streak evokes the dominance seen in Federer and Djokovic at their peaks.

Bouchard, a former world No. 5, emphasized the historical weight of Sabalenka’s recent run, stating that the Belarusian appears to be on a “GOAT run” reminiscent of the sport’s icons. She praised Sabalenka’s composure under pressure and her ability to maintain joy in competition, even as expectations rise.

“I love it when the season goes to Europe. I think when people go to Europe, they appreciate tennis so much there. It’s huge in the US, but Europe really feels like historical tennis,” Bouchard said. “I love the clay swing, I love the grass swing. I think it’s so fun. I desire to see how Sabalenka keeps doing. Can she preserve her streak up?”

She added: “You have to imagine at some point if it’s going to stop but it doesn’t seem like it will. She seems to be on some GOAT run like a Roger or a Novak. Can she keep it up? I feel like the pressure of expectations maybe will catch up to her. But she also has the personality of not letting it get to her, but she also has so much fun and not caring what people think.”

Sabalenka’s current form stands in stark contrast to her season-opening loss in the Australian Open final to Elena Rybakina. Since that defeat, she has compiled a 24-1 record, a stretch that includes titles in Doha and Indian Wells, as well as deep runs in Miami and Stuttgart. Her resilience on clay — traditionally considered a weaker surface for her power-based game — has been particularly notable.

The Madrid Open victory over Stearns was hard-earned, with the American pushing Sabalenka to the limit in the opening set before the Belarusian found her rhythm. Despite acknowledging areas for improvement on clay, Sabalenka’s ability to adapt and close out matches has been a hallmark of her recent success.

Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to face Jaqueline Cristian in her next match at the Madrid Open. The Romanian, ranked outside the top 50, presents a stern test given her experience on clay and ability to extend rallies. A win would extend Sabalenka’s winning streak and further solidify her status as one of the form players on the WTA Tour.

The comparisons to Federer and Djokovic, while flattering, come with inherent scrutiny. Bouchard acknowledged that the pressure of sustaining such a level could eventually mount, but she remains impressed by Sabalenka’s mental approach and love for the game’s traditions.

For Sabalenka, the focus remains on continuous improvement. After her win over Stearns, she admitted that her clay-court game still requires refinement, particularly in movement and point construction. Yet her willingness to confront those challenges head-on — while producing moments of brilliance like her self-proclaimed “best shot” — underscores why she is currently generating such high praise.

As the European clay swing progresses, all eyes will be on whether Sabalenka can maintain her extraordinary run. Her next match against Cristian offers another opportunity to demonstrate the consistency and mental fortitude that have drawn comparisons to tennis’s greatest icons.

What’s next: Aryna Sabalenka faces Jaqueline Cristian in the third round of the Madrid Open, with the match scheduled for later this week. Fans can follow live updates via the WTA’s official channels and Archysport’s ongoing coverage of the tournament.

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